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TP3 FEND VOLUME 3, NO. 6 ST. JOSEPH. MISSOUU, TIIl'KSDAY, OCTOIJElt :!(), 1924 I n i: ( EM S A COPY A TT T7 WW i EJ. ft 4 A CHECK-UP N PROMISES CITY BUSINESS CONDITIONS FROM PRIVATE BUSINESS POINT OF VIEW 'ark Hoard Would Add Another Million in Liabilities lor I'urk Do you remember when the park boaril were putcing over their park projects, their main aigument.s were of this kind, ''It will cost very little to each taxpayer, the cost of a few-cigar.', two admissions to Iho movies, etc.," and two other strong points they made were that the tax would be so small that everybody would pay their entire amount (which would have meant that tax certificates would not have been necessary) and that St. Joseph would be wonderfully benefitted by the scheme ? A check-up on some of these prom ises that were so publicly made is now in order. Instead .of $500,000 that the Park-iies estimated, the projects cost the land owners ?S40,000. Instead of the tax being so small that everybody would pay their entire tax at once, a daily paper of Oct. 8 carries the news that the benefits are $71,380, of which only $438,-S53.18 has been collected, leaving an unpaid outstanding tax against land of ?342,532.S2. As to St. Joseph being wonderfully benefitted by this tax orgy, another daily paper item on Oct. 26 gives the information that merchants, to escape suit, must pay their taxes within six days. This unpaid amount cf taxes about to become delinquent was given as $334,691.38. With such a poor showing in past performances as this the park board wants to put over a "Park Grab" alongside Smith Park that will saddle an additional tax on land owners estimated at over $1,000,000. What big business, other than an unfortunate city, would stand for such a program under existing conditions ? What would you do if you owned a business and your manager showed you figures and reports like this: In the neighborhood of 2,000 people sued for non-payment of state and county personal taxes in 1924. Four thousand seven hundred pieces of city property listed for sale next T.eek for non-payment of city taxes. Unpaid taxes on which interest must be paid additional: Delinquent merchant's tax 334,691.38 Outstanding for park projects 342,532.82 Total that taxpayers did not pay when tax was due $677,224.20 Items that were collected from taxpayers: For park projects, $438,-853.18. (This money belongs to those whose eround was condemned. It is "frozen" in the banks, out of circula tion, and not one cent paid to prop erty owners.) Interest paid by those who had to take time to pay their park projects tax, and who will continue to pay interest for the whole twenty years, $8,964.29. To audit park tax books, $6,000 (from general tax fund). Park upkeep for one year (estimated), $80,000 (collected yearly from land owners). Parks, in most cities, are side issues and in the na ture of luxuries, but in our city of 85,000 population such large sums as the above are collected for such purposes as shown, and all in connection with parks only. The heavy taxes collected for the usual and general purposes are also getting heavier as you will find when you pay your state and county taxes for 1924, due to the increased valuation ordered from Jefferson City. While we are supposed to have a population of 85,000 citizens, less than 14,000 of them bear the entire burden of taxation. A legal advertisement in The Gazette of Oct. 27 has the information that the bonded indebtedness of the city is $2,360,475.12. Special taxes to buy park ground do not form a part of the bonded indebtedness. And yet the park board wants another million in taxes to buy ground alongside Smith Park. What would ycu do with managers who showed you conditions like the above ? The Missouri University football team defeated the Kansas Aggies, 14 to 7, last Saturday. They meet Nebraska next Saturday. DARING HORSEBACK LEAP IS PERFORMED Duncan Thrills Pulls Slunt spectators That Not since the days when he electrified millions with ids daring in serial work has William Duncan "pulled" such a coup as that which occurs just preceding me finish of "The Fighting Guide," which will be shown at the Empress theater on next Sunday, .Monday and Tuesday. Riding directly into the camera, standing upright upon the back of his charging horse, Duncan plunges from his position upon the neck and shoulders of another rider. Both men go crashing to the ground while the riderless horses flee away. There is a wealth of comedy in the production. Harry Lonsdale, a remarkable character man, was given an opportunity to bring into play his talents as the harassed English nobleman trying to get along in the Western wilds without his homey comforts. IS TO FIGHT THREE TWO DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICAN ARE BANNED ONE Kansas City Journal Publishes Dispatch Outlining Klan Stand Jefferson City. That the Ku Klux Klan will wage an active fight against three nominees for state office was indicated by reports received here Sunday. It is reported the hooded organization will fight Charles U. Becker, Republican nominee for secretary of state; Carter M. Buford of Ellington, Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, and Judge James T. Blair, Democratic nominee to succeed himself as a member of the supreme court. According tu lorts, ,.?h three nominees will be scratched in favor of Mrs. Kate S. Morrow of Warrens-burg, Democratic nominee for secretary of state; Phil Bennett of Buffalo, Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, and Frank E. At-wood of Carrollton, Republican nominee for judge of the supreme court. It is understood that on the surface the Klan ballot will not display a choice between Sam A. Baker, Republican nominee for governor, and Dr. Arthur W. Nelson, the Democratic nominee. However, it is significant there has been a decided drift in certain Klan circles to Dr. .Nelsons candidacy in the last month. E. C. Bailey, Repub lican, secretary of tiie Jefferson City-chapter of the Klan, and a group of Republican Klansmen of the capital city are opposing Mr. Baker. The hooded organization, accord ing to leaders, will not express a preference on the ballot between L. D.' Thompson, Rpublican, and George H. Middlekamp, Democrat, nominees for state auditor; C. E. Stephens, Republican, and John H. Stone, Democrat, nominees for state treasurer; Robert W. Ottoj Republican, and Elmer O. Jones, Democrat, nominees for attorney general. The Klan fight in Jefferson City is at fever heat and is being manifested most in the race for sheriff. I red Hueller, Republican, and L. C. Whitaup, Democrat, both alleged to be Klansmen, were nominated for sheriff. Felix Senevey was nominated by petition as the anti-Klan candidate. Because of the growing strength of Senevey's candidacy, the Klan has decided to center its support on Withaup, leaders say. RE. Holli-way of Journal-Post Jefferson City Bureau. LECTURED ON "HOW TO CHOOSE A HUSBAND" Dr. Floyd John Evans, an evangelist, lectured at the Woodson Chapel Christianhurch, Sunday, on the sub ject, "How to Choose a Husband," taking as his text, "As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman without discretion." Proverbs xi-22. He warned girls against marry ing drunkards to reform them and also said that "the modern man wants to marry something besides a paint can and wishes to kiss something be sides a 'ip stick." He blamed the women with a large part of the unhappy marriages, reasoning that men propose and women have the acceptance or rejection of the proposal as their perogative. T lfl FOLLETTE IN 1917 A TRAITOR NOW SEEKS, NATION'S HIGHEST PLACE . Denounced by All America Hut Seven Years Ago, He Aspires to Greatest Reward Believing that many good Americans are misinformed in supporting La Follette for president, The Independent is giv:g herewith the following outstanding facts regarding his career and recommends mat those who are considering1 voting for him study them carefully before doing so: 1. Born in Wisconsin June I t, 1855; now in his seventieth year. 2. Admitted to the practice of the law forty-four years ago. 3. Became governor of Wisconsin twenty-three years ago; wasre-elected twice and resigned in 1905 upon his election to the United States senate, where he has since served continuously except for lengthy absences during the last session, due to the feeble health of extreme age. 4. La Follette has dominated state government in Wisconsin since 1901 and his personal machine has been in control of governmental agencies. During the twenty-three years of his control taxes have increased 423 per cent and property assessments have increased 235 per cent. During the same period the Wisconsin population has increased 28 per cent. Average wages paid in Wisconsin at this time are lower than wages paid in neighboring states. 5. La Follette sponsored the Nonpartisan League, which in North Dakota, caused an increase of 400 per cent in taxes in one year; forced fifty-three private banks out of existence; added ?17,000,000 to the state'-bonded indebtedness in one year; established a state bank that collapsed with a loss of more than $1,000,000 to individual depositors. 6. When the United Stales senate voted 78 to 5 to indorse President Wilson's severing of diplomatic relations with Germany, La Follette wa? one of the five opposing such indorsement.7. La Follette spoke in the senate against permitting the president to f.rm vessels flying the United States flag. La Follette spoke and vote.l against a delcaration of war against Germany. ). La Follette spoke and voted against the selective service act (the draft). 10. La Follette spoke and voted against application of the selective service in the aviation service. 11. La Follette defer. Jed the sinking by a German submarine of the Lusi-tauia, in which hundreds of Americans were killed, and denounced the entry of the United States into the World War. The.-e utterances were made ir a speech delivered in St. Paul, Sept. 20, 1917. 12. La Follette's St. Paul speech resulted in a demand by the Minnesota commission of public safety that he be expelled from the United States senate "as a teacher of disloyalty and sedition giving aid and comfort to our enemies and hindering the government in the conduct of the war." 13. A committee of the senate examined the speech and listened tr charges that La Follette's conduct menacea the successful persecution of the war, but he was permitted to retain his seat. 14. La Follette's speeches and activities caused the late Theodore Roosevelt to denounce him repeatedl : as the most dangerous man in America. 15. La Follette's disloyalty during the war caused the Wisconsin Republican state central committee to unanimously demand his expulsion from the senate for "treasonable and seditious utterances" and for "disloyalty to our government." 16. The Wisconsin state council of defense and seventy-one county defense councils called upon him to re sign from the senate and asked the senate to expel him if he refused to retire. 17. In Sheboygan, Wis., he was hung in effigy as a traitor. 18. The Wisconsin legislature adopted resolutions formally censuring him. 19. During the creation of the Republican protective tariff law now in effect, La Follette voted against or refused to support eighty-six of the ninety items upon which agricultur- ists are dependent. F ACTS 10 -0. La Follette refused to support ! tin.' Japanese exclusion act. i 21. The tactics of the blue of radi cals led tjy l.a i-olielto m conuress prevented the enactment of legislation needed for benefit of l!,o country 22. l..i Follette is not running for the presidency as the nominee of uulv elected : : pres'.'nuitives of the people, but wa ; chosen by a groio of .Socialists, iabor leaders, radicals end other j .-elf-constituted " delegates" i i cm- fm,,K.0 (!omil.atea by L;. j,,,,. j 2;j. u Fuk,Uo-, ,)laUutm tal, fol. !Ute Soualist ilun 0'f nationalizing of i ne rauroaos ano oilier private prop tity. He nas been cleaily olontif'ied as a Socialist and is the f real candidate for the Socialist party in Missouri and elsewhere. The' Socinlis' party ir. America has officially indorsed his candidacy. Prominent Scciah.-ts are directing his campaign. Socialists and otiiei radicals through-cut the country constitute his most active followers. 24. La Follette would nullify the constitution and substitute politics for law by permitting1 congress to re-enact and make valid lavs f-iund un constitutional by the supreme court, i at present the sole check anon con gross. INSISTS ON PRIVILEGE OF ARGUING ELECTION CASE ORALLY No Decision Has Been Made Referendum Injunction Case Up to This Time The injunction case brought again.-', the city to prevent it from holding an election on the so-called civic center ordinances which was authorized in response to the filing of referendum petitions signed by 0,590 St. Joseph citizens, was further complicated, Saturday, when W. B. Norris, who, with L. C. Gabbert, city counselor, represents the cityjn this suit, appeared in open court and refused to file a brief in the case as provided in the instructions of Judge W. H. Utz, before whom the case was tried early last week. After hearing the case on Ttiesdiiy of last week, Judge Utz gave the piaintiffs until Thursday to file their brief and the defendants until the following Saturday to file an answer, fir. Norris has maintained from the beginning that tiie case should have been argued orally before the court and it is, to be supposed that it is on this contention he has refused to file any answer to the plaintiff's brief, which v.as filed on Thursday of last week as stipulated by Judge Utz. Up tc tiie time of our last information, Judge Utz had not made public his decision in the case. ALL VOTE 'YES" ON PROPOSITION NO. One of the most important matters which is to be decided at the election next Tuesday is whether Missouri is finally to be "pulled cut of the mud" oi not. The cities generally are expected to favor this proposition and it is prubable that a big vote will be idled up for this measure in St. Joseph, but it cannot be too big. Remember that with proposition No. 5 in force, you will have your road program financed perpetually without issuing more bond.- and without one do'lar of properly t ix. On another page of this issue of The Independent will he found a complete resume of the propositions and amendments to be voted on at the coming election, together with the main arguments which have been advanced for and against them which are calculated to give our readers a chance to figure out how they stand on them. ' SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE DIED AT WASHINGTON x Henry C. Wallace, secretary of agriculture, died in Washington, D. C, on Saturday, Oct. 25, aged 59 years, following an operation to which he submitted about a week before. The successor of Mr. Wallace has not yet been appointed, but early action is looked for because of the importance which President Coolidge places on the proposed preliminary agricultural conference and investigation, which is being held up on account of Mr. Wallace's death. Flags on federal buildings in St. Joseph and throughout the nation are being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. gross. flRIS FILES ! 10 BRIEF! OUR NEED OF MR, BOK MATTERS THAI Will. it!: uKoi Giir to ins A l l EN 'Mi His Counsel Should lie Asked Matter of Placing Exempted Properly on Tax List. It was n.itmng -rort oi m-p that moved Dr. John 1'. Ca-ke ing his address mi municipal litioll delivered at the Franci.- Street .Metho dist church on Sunday evening, the 19th inst, to exclaim, "Give me six' Edward Boks and I will rewrite me history of St. Joseph in ten year.-." The doctor, of course, expected hi.-' call for help to bo interpreted in j reason. He was not asking literally ' for six Buks, but he meant to give : emphasis to the sixth power to the need in St. Joseph for the Bak mind i'lid spirit as a solution for our civic problems. t . The doctor is director and vice- president of the Chamber of Com- merce and that organization generally 1 goes after whatever its officers and leaders recommend. No doubt within a short time we may expert to see in the daily press that o"0 or more; of the men of influence in finance I commerce and society have entered I into contract "to render ail possible assistance" to answer Doctor Caskey'.- j call for help and to brine Mr. Bok i to town. ' mat Humble ami unpretentious, class of our citizens who have been I stung by the mosquitoes swarming from the marshes of suspicion and as a result are affected, with thedeiu-:-ion that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty'' aie taking notice of events also. They believe in Mr. Bok, too, so it looks as if Doctor Caskey has accomplished almost a miracle by proposing a plan that both "sour bug"' and "'gold bug" are willing to unite upon. Mr. Bok will, no doubt, answer the call. He is devoting his v hole time to public affairs now and will hardly turn down an invitation extended by so brilliant a company of disinterested truth seekers as our Chamber of Commerce. So we may expect the announcement of his acceptance at any time and his arrival may be looked forward to with confidence ami enthusiasm.The guardians of liberty above mentioned are associating themselves into a working organization and expect to present to Mr. Bok a concrete statement of facts for his consideration and advice. First, they will call his attention to the favoritism and discrimination shown in levying the assessments for the GOO-acre park ano boulevard system now under way, ami solicit his counsel and aid in having steps taken to retrieve the good name of the city from this scandal and inci- dentally to make the favorites ex - cmpted, bear their just portion of the expense. The railroads are the chief beneficiaries of this favoritism. Twenty-eight acres of railroad property, all lying in the taxable districts, is omitted entirely from assessment, and also some 400 other tracts of land, while property of individuals ad- joining these large railroad yards are taxed the full tax. The result of the onission, of course, is to increase the tax against the property taxed. Where such omissions occur through oversight or mistake the city charter provides a clear and plain way to j In celebration of the fifteenth an-remedy the mistake. The park board ; niversary of the pastorate of the Rev. and the city administration have hadj0m b. Bloom, a rally day in Sunday their attention called to this matter i school and church will be held on time and again but they will not move to make the proper correction. The -erdict of the juries in the condemnation suits in which the assess ments were made read that all: omitted property was omitted on purpose because the juries found that the omitted properties were not benefited by the parks. But the men who were on these juries say they never intended to omit the railroad property, that the verdicts were written on forms prepared by the park board lawyers, and they only meant to refer to public properties omitted from assess ment such as city hall, court house and such. These jurymen stand ready to say they did not intend to omit the railroad property and the 400 tracts and this will make the way to correct the error easy if the park board can be brought to act. Right here is where the guardians of liberty are counting on Mr. Bok. They think with Doctor Caskey's stamp of approval on him and the eyes of the nation directed to St. Joseph as they will be when Mr. Bok comes, the park irouglit to u "bettor way fir.-1 ol! t : i-iirnui'iil I., ti. by tiie emir i.f the Ir !! tl i' par' -iiles Thi-.i' ram attvii- , renins of l.eed for rk board, in i I'M li ve r.- i for ivction m nineteen i ti.e tax - arcor.i-an.l still properly, intended properu .-( ps to tne a-s . accou'ian biM.ks ext ing to tin omitting Of course rk now I- amnun1 s Vermel-railroadd! tl the rark hoar. to ever to tax i subject the omitted ley wo'.iM have tak.- pir. all tl.!- , tax books I (started their itte.l i. roo. -r n the re the accountants tensions ;nid if .Mr. e ice park board in Hok should ii.iiuci i to the square tiiii day, the work dun fountains will ha , Verily we , the Bok thermic'.! even at this late dready by the ac- tn be done over. ! the Bok morale, s, ti e Bok rugge.i I sense and w, : riciit, and we need him need him might bad. luick EXT TUESDAY INTEREST IN RESULTS GREATLY INCREASED IN LAST FEW WEEKS Party Leaders Are "On Their Toes" as Final Test of Strength Approaches With the election only off, party leaders, natior are making great effort .il ar.d state, to stir the voters to interc.-t m and policies, and ir heir candidates this thev have had some success before which time dragged ar.d little tne last week. 1 the cnnipaic. n isac interest had been usual pre-eiocnoi' funds have been .li-playeil. The enlarges that hi raised unlawfully by the carious parties, nationally, are being investigated, and the u.-ual wild claims of certain victory have been made by the campaign managers. Ir. the betting, which i.- usuaUy the he.-t place to look for an authentic threes';'.., t or ,MfeK j. the big favorite, big odds being of- ' fered that he will be re-elected, j Mi.-souri bios fair to be one of the I big battle grounds in the coming elec-i turns and Democratic and liepublican j forces, led respectively by Dr. Arthur I W. Ntl.-on and Sam A. Baker, seem j more or le. s evenly matched, i In St. Joseph, the campaign L ! ttinj: brought to a wniriwind finish , i' both slues, w.io are biinging their bier guns to bear en the voters in a last effort toward conviction. On Wednesday night, of this week, the lUinocrats hehl the biggest meeting oi the campaign, when ex-Governor Frederick D. Gardner of St. Louis spoke at the Lyceum. Tonight (Thursday!, the Republicans are to reply in kind, and Gen. Charles G. Dawes, Republican candidate for vice-president, will exhort the voters from ! tpie rostrum at the Auditorium. A large crowd is expected at this meeting. Dawes has been drawing big crowds wherever he has appeared and is easily the most sought-for and popular speaker of the campaign. The big registration in St. Joseph forecasts a big vote here and it is j probable that, in the county, a mixed junket will be elected, as considerable scratching is looked for. A RALLY DAY AT FIRST REFORMED CHURCH Sunday, Nov. 2, at the First Reformed church, Tenth and Lincoln streets. A harvest home ingathering of members and baptizing of children will he held and thp slop-on of flip tray is Every member of the church in the Sunday school and every member of the Sunday school in the church." The morning sermon will be preached by the Rev. John C. Horning, D. D., Western superintendent of missions and the evening sermon by the Rev. Frederick C. Schnuelle, pastor of the Hope Reformed church, Cosby, Mo. PRESIDENTIAL VOTE FROM 1900 TO 1920 On another page of this issue The Independent is printing a table of the popular vote for president in the various states in all elections from 1900 to 1920. This should prove interesting to our readers and be of assistance in figuring out the probable winners in the election of next Tuesday. Uu.nl n and n.;tl'f-r i of it. -ML lli'.'i of liber; I r.mipt ELECTION M CITY COUNCIL ASKS NOAMS WANT HIS OPINION in the ELECTRIC LIGHT M VI- TEl: Hold a Special Meeting Last l .-idur ! l.wiiing Olhtr Itusinc-Kt I Transacted A -pecial iiiectme of ihe city couii-cd wa- he'.i la.-t Frio;., cyiair.g wim four member-, W. II. F, iii-.,n. Dr. Tf. H. Minion, W. E. Hai l ii.i;to;i, ami l'r. .1. 1. Tucker, pre I " -II i .- , : l presided. Some time ago, I i i'U;.iilmft i.c;i passen mi election .re.- in thf he paipo.-e :: tl e pris- :n: "I'.araiice cainna ;..r :n the matter of is.-uing I amount of S.'iOO.O'lO for 1 i'1' lebuihhag and externili i:t city electric light .--ystem. I'i.e-tinn is .-et for Nov. I4, ai.e. ! i"'.pt.-;tiin is lost, the cu..i il ' to be in a position to offer an n:.iiw proposition. In th. proposition recently ma. c I St. Joseph street railway cm lo furnish current to the tnr. taken up and discusseo. V.'hmi this pl'opo.-a! wa- mane, iiahnert. city counselor, .lohv o-opinio.n to the effect that the Thi-if the .is! es the '.nanv ; ;ir, tree K.liway company could make no con tract with the city to fuiiu.-b current at a certain rate, as the rate charged '..'i. aid be subject to a. ijustme.u by tke ; -tate public service commission. In answer to this, S. B. Ire'iam irerend mamieer of the conip..n", m'fered to bond himself, as an individual, It I furnish current to the city at t (stipulated rate, statiny that ail ad-' Ijustments in rates made by the public service commission would b? be-. tv. ecu him and the company, from whom he would buy the current whim he soid to the city. Mr. Gabbert j placed "thumbs down" on this proposition, also, slating that it would not ! affect the richt of the public service ; commission to fix tne rate to ne paid i by the city. j Other attorneys have disagree jwiih ilr. Gabbert nl.i hi.,' ai. ' in j this matter, anil it was resolved fey I the council last Friday evening to pet an opinion from W. E. Norris, who lis a former city counselor, on the sub Iject. The matter was taken up whin Mr. Norris on Tuesday evening of this I week, when the council held an i-' formal meeting, but no definite co-i elusion was arrived at. It was again : taken up at a meetina on Wednesday morning and Mr. Norris advised that ja contract of the kind contemplated 'could he entered into by the city and j cited many authorities in support f his position. Following is a summary of tke other proceedings of the council at itheir Friday night meeting: ; ORDINANCES PASSED j By Tucker Providing for estai- S'lishing sewer districts No. 158 and 1159 in South St. Joseph. j By Bender Repealing1 ordinate i for sidewalks on Gene Field road. j ORDINANCES INTRODUCED I By Bender Paving with concrew I Twenty-sixth street. Gene Field rol J to Lover's Lane. i By Harrington Paving, with em-! crete Fryer avenue, Illinois to CeU-; rado. .by jumton Approving plat el Townsend place. By Bender Establishing grades i north and south alley betweenTwenty-second and Twenty-third, Colho tc Union streets. NATIONAL OFFICERS OF PROTESTANT WOMEN RESIGN Word has reached The Independent that Mrs. G. A. Young, national organizer; Mrs. E. J. Roth, national secretary -treasurer, and Mrs. Mary I. Lewis, state executive secretary of Missouri and Kansas, all of the Grand League of Protestant Women of America, have resigned their office. The headquarters of this organization is located at Houston, Texas. NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF KU KLUX KLAN A special meeting of the members of the Knights of the Ku Klux Kla, St. Joseph Klan, No. 4, Realm of Missouri, will be held at the Klavern i St. Joseph, formerly the Crystal theater, on Monday night, Nov. 1, commencing at 8 o'clock. All members are urged to be present. After listening to a neighbor lady practicing the piano for eight month, Herr Unwerth of Berlin took a shot at her with a revolver, but missed. He was placed under a peace bond.

TP3 FEND VOLUME 3, NO. 6 ST. JOSEPH. MISSOUU, TIIl'KSDAY, OCTOIJElt :!(), 1924 I n i: ( EM S A COPY A TT T7 WW i EJ. ft 4 A CHECK-UP N PROMISES CITY BUSINESS CONDITIONS FROM PRIVATE BUSINESS POINT OF VIEW 'ark Hoard Would Add Another Million in Liabilities lor I'urk Do you remember when the park boaril were putcing over their park projects, their main aigument.s were of this kind, ''It will cost very little to each taxpayer, the cost of a few-cigar.', two admissions to Iho movies, etc.," and two other strong points they made were that the tax would be so small that everybody would pay their entire amount (which would have meant that tax certificates would not have been necessary) and that St. Joseph would be wonderfully benefitted by the scheme ? A check-up on some of these prom ises that were so publicly made is now in order. Instead .of $500,000 that the Park-iies estimated, the projects cost the land owners ?S40,000. Instead of the tax being so small that everybody would pay their entire tax at once, a daily paper of Oct. 8 carries the news that the benefits are $71,380, of which only $438,-S53.18 has been collected, leaving an unpaid outstanding tax against land of ?342,532.S2. As to St. Joseph being wonderfully benefitted by this tax orgy, another daily paper item on Oct. 26 gives the information that merchants, to escape suit, must pay their taxes within six days. This unpaid amount cf taxes about to become delinquent was given as $334,691.38. With such a poor showing in past performances as this the park board wants to put over a "Park Grab" alongside Smith Park that will saddle an additional tax on land owners estimated at over $1,000,000. What big business, other than an unfortunate city, would stand for such a program under existing conditions ? What would you do if you owned a business and your manager showed you figures and reports like this: In the neighborhood of 2,000 people sued for non-payment of state and county personal taxes in 1924. Four thousand seven hundred pieces of city property listed for sale next T.eek for non-payment of city taxes. Unpaid taxes on which interest must be paid additional: Delinquent merchant's tax 334,691.38 Outstanding for park projects 342,532.82 Total that taxpayers did not pay when tax was due $677,224.20 Items that were collected from taxpayers: For park projects, $438,-853.18. (This money belongs to those whose eround was condemned. It is "frozen" in the banks, out of circula tion, and not one cent paid to prop erty owners.) Interest paid by those who had to take time to pay their park projects tax, and who will continue to pay interest for the whole twenty years, $8,964.29. To audit park tax books, $6,000 (from general tax fund). Park upkeep for one year (estimated), $80,000 (collected yearly from land owners). Parks, in most cities, are side issues and in the na ture of luxuries, but in our city of 85,000 population such large sums as the above are collected for such purposes as shown, and all in connection with parks only. The heavy taxes collected for the usual and general purposes are also getting heavier as you will find when you pay your state and county taxes for 1924, due to the increased valuation ordered from Jefferson City. While we are supposed to have a population of 85,000 citizens, less than 14,000 of them bear the entire burden of taxation. A legal advertisement in The Gazette of Oct. 27 has the information that the bonded indebtedness of the city is $2,360,475.12. Special taxes to buy park ground do not form a part of the bonded indebtedness. And yet the park board wants another million in taxes to buy ground alongside Smith Park. What would ycu do with managers who showed you conditions like the above ? The Missouri University football team defeated the Kansas Aggies, 14 to 7, last Saturday. They meet Nebraska next Saturday. DARING HORSEBACK LEAP IS PERFORMED Duncan Thrills Pulls Slunt spectators That Not since the days when he electrified millions with ids daring in serial work has William Duncan "pulled" such a coup as that which occurs just preceding me finish of "The Fighting Guide," which will be shown at the Empress theater on next Sunday, .Monday and Tuesday. Riding directly into the camera, standing upright upon the back of his charging horse, Duncan plunges from his position upon the neck and shoulders of another rider. Both men go crashing to the ground while the riderless horses flee away. There is a wealth of comedy in the production. Harry Lonsdale, a remarkable character man, was given an opportunity to bring into play his talents as the harassed English nobleman trying to get along in the Western wilds without his homey comforts. IS TO FIGHT THREE TWO DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICAN ARE BANNED ONE Kansas City Journal Publishes Dispatch Outlining Klan Stand Jefferson City. That the Ku Klux Klan will wage an active fight against three nominees for state office was indicated by reports received here Sunday. It is reported the hooded organization will fight Charles U. Becker, Republican nominee for secretary of state; Carter M. Buford of Ellington, Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, and Judge James T. Blair, Democratic nominee to succeed himself as a member of the supreme court. According tu lorts, ,.?h three nominees will be scratched in favor of Mrs. Kate S. Morrow of Warrens-burg, Democratic nominee for secretary of state; Phil Bennett of Buffalo, Republican nominee for lieutenant governor, and Frank E. At-wood of Carrollton, Republican nominee for judge of the supreme court. It is understood that on the surface the Klan ballot will not display a choice between Sam A. Baker, Republican nominee for governor, and Dr. Arthur W. Nelson, the Democratic nominee. However, it is significant there has been a decided drift in certain Klan circles to Dr. .Nelsons candidacy in the last month. E. C. Bailey, Repub lican, secretary of tiie Jefferson City-chapter of the Klan, and a group of Republican Klansmen of the capital city are opposing Mr. Baker. The hooded organization, accord ing to leaders, will not express a preference on the ballot between L. D.' Thompson, Rpublican, and George H. Middlekamp, Democrat, nominees for state auditor; C. E. Stephens, Republican, and John H. Stone, Democrat, nominees for state treasurer; Robert W. Ottoj Republican, and Elmer O. Jones, Democrat, nominees for attorney general. The Klan fight in Jefferson City is at fever heat and is being manifested most in the race for sheriff. I red Hueller, Republican, and L. C. Whitaup, Democrat, both alleged to be Klansmen, were nominated for sheriff. Felix Senevey was nominated by petition as the anti-Klan candidate. Because of the growing strength of Senevey's candidacy, the Klan has decided to center its support on Withaup, leaders say. RE. Holli-way of Journal-Post Jefferson City Bureau. LECTURED ON "HOW TO CHOOSE A HUSBAND" Dr. Floyd John Evans, an evangelist, lectured at the Woodson Chapel Christianhurch, Sunday, on the sub ject, "How to Choose a Husband," taking as his text, "As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman without discretion." Proverbs xi-22. He warned girls against marry ing drunkards to reform them and also said that "the modern man wants to marry something besides a paint can and wishes to kiss something be sides a 'ip stick." He blamed the women with a large part of the unhappy marriages, reasoning that men propose and women have the acceptance or rejection of the proposal as their perogative. T lfl FOLLETTE IN 1917 A TRAITOR NOW SEEKS, NATION'S HIGHEST PLACE . Denounced by All America Hut Seven Years Ago, He Aspires to Greatest Reward Believing that many good Americans are misinformed in supporting La Follette for president, The Independent is giv:g herewith the following outstanding facts regarding his career and recommends mat those who are considering1 voting for him study them carefully before doing so: 1. Born in Wisconsin June I t, 1855; now in his seventieth year. 2. Admitted to the practice of the law forty-four years ago. 3. Became governor of Wisconsin twenty-three years ago; wasre-elected twice and resigned in 1905 upon his election to the United States senate, where he has since served continuously except for lengthy absences during the last session, due to the feeble health of extreme age. 4. La Follette has dominated state government in Wisconsin since 1901 and his personal machine has been in control of governmental agencies. During the twenty-three years of his control taxes have increased 423 per cent and property assessments have increased 235 per cent. During the same period the Wisconsin population has increased 28 per cent. Average wages paid in Wisconsin at this time are lower than wages paid in neighboring states. 5. La Follette sponsored the Nonpartisan League, which in North Dakota, caused an increase of 400 per cent in taxes in one year; forced fifty-three private banks out of existence; added ?17,000,000 to the state'-bonded indebtedness in one year; established a state bank that collapsed with a loss of more than $1,000,000 to individual depositors. 6. When the United Stales senate voted 78 to 5 to indorse President Wilson's severing of diplomatic relations with Germany, La Follette wa? one of the five opposing such indorsement.7. La Follette spoke in the senate against permitting the president to f.rm vessels flying the United States flag. La Follette spoke and vote.l against a delcaration of war against Germany. ). La Follette spoke and voted against the selective service act (the draft). 10. La Follette spoke and voted against application of the selective service in the aviation service. 11. La Follette defer. Jed the sinking by a German submarine of the Lusi-tauia, in which hundreds of Americans were killed, and denounced the entry of the United States into the World War. The.-e utterances were made ir a speech delivered in St. Paul, Sept. 20, 1917. 12. La Follette's St. Paul speech resulted in a demand by the Minnesota commission of public safety that he be expelled from the United States senate "as a teacher of disloyalty and sedition giving aid and comfort to our enemies and hindering the government in the conduct of the war." 13. A committee of the senate examined the speech and listened tr charges that La Follette's conduct menacea the successful persecution of the war, but he was permitted to retain his seat. 14. La Follette's speeches and activities caused the late Theodore Roosevelt to denounce him repeatedl : as the most dangerous man in America. 15. La Follette's disloyalty during the war caused the Wisconsin Republican state central committee to unanimously demand his expulsion from the senate for "treasonable and seditious utterances" and for "disloyalty to our government." 16. The Wisconsin state council of defense and seventy-one county defense councils called upon him to re sign from the senate and asked the senate to expel him if he refused to retire. 17. In Sheboygan, Wis., he was hung in effigy as a traitor. 18. The Wisconsin legislature adopted resolutions formally censuring him. 19. During the creation of the Republican protective tariff law now in effect, La Follette voted against or refused to support eighty-six of the ninety items upon which agricultur- ists are dependent. F ACTS 10 -0. La Follette refused to support ! tin.' Japanese exclusion act. i 21. The tactics of the blue of radi cals led tjy l.a i-olielto m conuress prevented the enactment of legislation needed for benefit of l!,o country 22. l..i Follette is not running for the presidency as the nominee of uulv elected : : pres'.'nuitives of the people, but wa ; chosen by a groio of .Socialists, iabor leaders, radicals end other j .-elf-constituted " delegates" i i cm- fm,,K.0 (!omil.atea by L;. j,,,,. j 2;j. u Fuk,Uo-, ,)laUutm tal, fol. !Ute Soualist ilun 0'f nationalizing of i ne rauroaos ano oilier private prop tity. He nas been cleaily olontif'ied as a Socialist and is the f real candidate for the Socialist party in Missouri and elsewhere. The' Socinlis' party ir. America has officially indorsed his candidacy. Prominent Scciah.-ts are directing his campaign. Socialists and otiiei radicals through-cut the country constitute his most active followers. 24. La Follette would nullify the constitution and substitute politics for law by permitting1 congress to re-enact and make valid lavs f-iund un constitutional by the supreme court, i at present the sole check anon con gross. INSISTS ON PRIVILEGE OF ARGUING ELECTION CASE ORALLY No Decision Has Been Made Referendum Injunction Case Up to This Time The injunction case brought again.-', the city to prevent it from holding an election on the so-called civic center ordinances which was authorized in response to the filing of referendum petitions signed by 0,590 St. Joseph citizens, was further complicated, Saturday, when W. B. Norris, who, with L. C. Gabbert, city counselor, represents the cityjn this suit, appeared in open court and refused to file a brief in the case as provided in the instructions of Judge W. H. Utz, before whom the case was tried early last week. After hearing the case on Ttiesdiiy of last week, Judge Utz gave the piaintiffs until Thursday to file their brief and the defendants until the following Saturday to file an answer, fir. Norris has maintained from the beginning that tiie case should have been argued orally before the court and it is, to be supposed that it is on this contention he has refused to file any answer to the plaintiff's brief, which v.as filed on Thursday of last week as stipulated by Judge Utz. Up tc tiie time of our last information, Judge Utz had not made public his decision in the case. ALL VOTE 'YES" ON PROPOSITION NO. One of the most important matters which is to be decided at the election next Tuesday is whether Missouri is finally to be "pulled cut of the mud" oi not. The cities generally are expected to favor this proposition and it is prubable that a big vote will be idled up for this measure in St. Joseph, but it cannot be too big. Remember that with proposition No. 5 in force, you will have your road program financed perpetually without issuing more bond.- and without one do'lar of properly t ix. On another page of this issue of The Independent will he found a complete resume of the propositions and amendments to be voted on at the coming election, together with the main arguments which have been advanced for and against them which are calculated to give our readers a chance to figure out how they stand on them. ' SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE DIED AT WASHINGTON x Henry C. Wallace, secretary of agriculture, died in Washington, D. C, on Saturday, Oct. 25, aged 59 years, following an operation to which he submitted about a week before. The successor of Mr. Wallace has not yet been appointed, but early action is looked for because of the importance which President Coolidge places on the proposed preliminary agricultural conference and investigation, which is being held up on account of Mr. Wallace's death. Flags on federal buildings in St. Joseph and throughout the nation are being flown at half-mast as a mark of respect. gross. flRIS FILES ! 10 BRIEF! OUR NEED OF MR, BOK MATTERS THAI Will. it!: uKoi Giir to ins A l l EN 'Mi His Counsel Should lie Asked Matter of Placing Exempted Properly on Tax List. It was n.itmng -rort oi m-p that moved Dr. John 1'. Ca-ke ing his address mi municipal litioll delivered at the Franci.- Street .Metho dist church on Sunday evening, the 19th inst, to exclaim, "Give me six' Edward Boks and I will rewrite me history of St. Joseph in ten year.-." The doctor, of course, expected hi.-' call for help to bo interpreted in j reason. He was not asking literally ' for six Buks, but he meant to give : emphasis to the sixth power to the need in St. Joseph for the Bak mind i'lid spirit as a solution for our civic problems. t . The doctor is director and vice- president of the Chamber of Com- merce and that organization generally 1 goes after whatever its officers and leaders recommend. No doubt within a short time we may expert to see in the daily press that o"0 or more; of the men of influence in finance I commerce and society have entered I into contract "to render ail possible assistance" to answer Doctor Caskey'.- j call for help and to brine Mr. Bok i to town. ' mat Humble ami unpretentious, class of our citizens who have been I stung by the mosquitoes swarming from the marshes of suspicion and as a result are affected, with thedeiu-:-ion that "eternal vigilance is the price of liberty'' aie taking notice of events also. They believe in Mr. Bok, too, so it looks as if Doctor Caskey has accomplished almost a miracle by proposing a plan that both "sour bug"' and "'gold bug" are willing to unite upon. Mr. Bok will, no doubt, answer the call. He is devoting his v hole time to public affairs now and will hardly turn down an invitation extended by so brilliant a company of disinterested truth seekers as our Chamber of Commerce. So we may expect the announcement of his acceptance at any time and his arrival may be looked forward to with confidence ami enthusiasm.The guardians of liberty above mentioned are associating themselves into a working organization and expect to present to Mr. Bok a concrete statement of facts for his consideration and advice. First, they will call his attention to the favoritism and discrimination shown in levying the assessments for the GOO-acre park ano boulevard system now under way, ami solicit his counsel and aid in having steps taken to retrieve the good name of the city from this scandal and inci- dentally to make the favorites ex - cmpted, bear their just portion of the expense. The railroads are the chief beneficiaries of this favoritism. Twenty-eight acres of railroad property, all lying in the taxable districts, is omitted entirely from assessment, and also some 400 other tracts of land, while property of individuals ad- joining these large railroad yards are taxed the full tax. The result of the onission, of course, is to increase the tax against the property taxed. Where such omissions occur through oversight or mistake the city charter provides a clear and plain way to j In celebration of the fifteenth an-remedy the mistake. The park board ; niversary of the pastorate of the Rev. and the city administration have hadj0m b. Bloom, a rally day in Sunday their attention called to this matter i school and church will be held on time and again but they will not move to make the proper correction. The -erdict of the juries in the condemnation suits in which the assess ments were made read that all: omitted property was omitted on purpose because the juries found that the omitted properties were not benefited by the parks. But the men who were on these juries say they never intended to omit the railroad property, that the verdicts were written on forms prepared by the park board lawyers, and they only meant to refer to public properties omitted from assess ment such as city hall, court house and such. These jurymen stand ready to say they did not intend to omit the railroad property and the 400 tracts and this will make the way to correct the error easy if the park board can be brought to act. Right here is where the guardians of liberty are counting on Mr. Bok. They think with Doctor Caskey's stamp of approval on him and the eyes of the nation directed to St. Joseph as they will be when Mr. Bok comes, the park irouglit to u "bettor way fir.-1 ol! t : i-iirnui'iil I., ti. by tiie emir i.f the Ir !! tl i' par' -iiles Thi-.i' ram attvii- , renins of l.eed for rk board, in i I'M li ve r.- i for ivction m nineteen i ti.e tax - arcor.i-an.l still properly, intended properu .-( ps to tne a-s . accou'ian biM.ks ext ing to tin omitting Of course rk now I- amnun1 s Vermel-railroadd! tl the rark hoar. to ever to tax i subject the omitted ley wo'.iM have tak.- pir. all tl.!- , tax books I (started their itte.l i. roo. -r n the re the accountants tensions ;nid if .Mr. e ice park board in Hok should ii.iiuci i to the square tiiii day, the work dun fountains will ha , Verily we , the Bok thermic'.! even at this late dready by the ac- tn be done over. ! the Bok morale, s, ti e Bok rugge.i I sense and w, : riciit, and we need him need him might bad. luick EXT TUESDAY INTEREST IN RESULTS GREATLY INCREASED IN LAST FEW WEEKS Party Leaders Are "On Their Toes" as Final Test of Strength Approaches With the election only off, party leaders, natior are making great effort .il ar.d state, to stir the voters to interc.-t m and policies, and ir heir candidates this thev have had some success before which time dragged ar.d little tne last week. 1 the cnnipaic. n isac interest had been usual pre-eiocnoi' funds have been .li-playeil. The enlarges that hi raised unlawfully by the carious parties, nationally, are being investigated, and the u.-ual wild claims of certain victory have been made by the campaign managers. Ir. the betting, which i.- usuaUy the he.-t place to look for an authentic threes';'.., t or ,MfeK j. the big favorite, big odds being of- ' fered that he will be re-elected, j Mi.-souri bios fair to be one of the I big battle grounds in the coming elec-i turns and Democratic and liepublican j forces, led respectively by Dr. Arthur I W. Ntl.-on and Sam A. Baker, seem j more or le. s evenly matched, i In St. Joseph, the campaign L ! ttinj: brought to a wniriwind finish , i' both slues, w.io are biinging their bier guns to bear en the voters in a last effort toward conviction. On Wednesday night, of this week, the lUinocrats hehl the biggest meeting oi the campaign, when ex-Governor Frederick D. Gardner of St. Louis spoke at the Lyceum. Tonight (Thursday!, the Republicans are to reply in kind, and Gen. Charles G. Dawes, Republican candidate for vice-president, will exhort the voters from ! tpie rostrum at the Auditorium. A large crowd is expected at this meeting. Dawes has been drawing big crowds wherever he has appeared and is easily the most sought-for and popular speaker of the campaign. The big registration in St. Joseph forecasts a big vote here and it is j probable that, in the county, a mixed junket will be elected, as considerable scratching is looked for. A RALLY DAY AT FIRST REFORMED CHURCH Sunday, Nov. 2, at the First Reformed church, Tenth and Lincoln streets. A harvest home ingathering of members and baptizing of children will he held and thp slop-on of flip tray is Every member of the church in the Sunday school and every member of the Sunday school in the church." The morning sermon will be preached by the Rev. John C. Horning, D. D., Western superintendent of missions and the evening sermon by the Rev. Frederick C. Schnuelle, pastor of the Hope Reformed church, Cosby, Mo. PRESIDENTIAL VOTE FROM 1900 TO 1920 On another page of this issue The Independent is printing a table of the popular vote for president in the various states in all elections from 1900 to 1920. This should prove interesting to our readers and be of assistance in figuring out the probable winners in the election of next Tuesday. Uu.nl n and n.;tl'f-r i of it. -ML lli'.'i of liber; I r.mipt ELECTION M CITY COUNCIL ASKS NOAMS WANT HIS OPINION in the ELECTRIC LIGHT M VI- TEl: Hold a Special Meeting Last l .-idur ! l.wiiing Olhtr Itusinc-Kt I Transacted A -pecial iiiectme of ihe city couii-cd wa- he'.i la.-t Frio;., cyiair.g wim four member-, W. II. F, iii-.,n. Dr. Tf. H. Minion, W. E. Hai l ii.i;to;i, ami l'r. .1. 1. Tucker, pre I " -II i .- , : l presided. Some time ago, I i i'U;.iilmft i.c;i passen mi election .re.- in thf he paipo.-e :: tl e pris- :n: "I'.araiice cainna ;..r :n the matter of is.-uing I amount of S.'iOO.O'lO for 1 i'1' lebuihhag and externili i:t city electric light .--ystem. I'i.e-tinn is .-et for Nov. I4, ai.e. ! i"'.pt.-;tiin is lost, the cu..i il ' to be in a position to offer an n:.iiw proposition. In th. proposition recently ma. c I St. Joseph street railway cm lo furnish current to the tnr. taken up and discusseo. V.'hmi this pl'opo.-a! wa- mane, iiahnert. city counselor, .lohv o-opinio.n to the effect that the Thi-if the .is! es the '.nanv ; ;ir, tree K.liway company could make no con tract with the city to fuiiu.-b current at a certain rate, as the rate charged '..'i. aid be subject to a. ijustme.u by tke ; -tate public service commission. In answer to this, S. B. Ire'iam irerend mamieer of the conip..n", m'fered to bond himself, as an individual, It I furnish current to the city at t (stipulated rate, statiny that ail ad-' Ijustments in rates made by the public service commission would b? be-. tv. ecu him and the company, from whom he would buy the current whim he soid to the city. Mr. Gabbert j placed "thumbs down" on this proposition, also, slating that it would not ! affect the richt of the public service ; commission to fix tne rate to ne paid i by the city. j Other attorneys have disagree jwiih ilr. Gabbert nl.i hi.,' ai. ' in j this matter, anil it was resolved fey I the council last Friday evening to pet an opinion from W. E. Norris, who lis a former city counselor, on the sub Iject. The matter was taken up whin Mr. Norris on Tuesday evening of this I week, when the council held an i-' formal meeting, but no definite co-i elusion was arrived at. It was again : taken up at a meetina on Wednesday morning and Mr. Norris advised that ja contract of the kind contemplated 'could he entered into by the city and j cited many authorities in support f his position. Following is a summary of tke other proceedings of the council at itheir Friday night meeting: ; ORDINANCES PASSED j By Tucker Providing for estai- S'lishing sewer districts No. 158 and 1159 in South St. Joseph. j By Bender Repealing1 ordinate i for sidewalks on Gene Field road. j ORDINANCES INTRODUCED I By Bender Paving with concrew I Twenty-sixth street. Gene Field rol J to Lover's Lane. i By Harrington Paving, with em-! crete Fryer avenue, Illinois to CeU-; rado. .by jumton Approving plat el Townsend place. By Bender Establishing grades i north and south alley betweenTwenty-second and Twenty-third, Colho tc Union streets. NATIONAL OFFICERS OF PROTESTANT WOMEN RESIGN Word has reached The Independent that Mrs. G. A. Young, national organizer; Mrs. E. J. Roth, national secretary -treasurer, and Mrs. Mary I. Lewis, state executive secretary of Missouri and Kansas, all of the Grand League of Protestant Women of America, have resigned their office. The headquarters of this organization is located at Houston, Texas. NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF KU KLUX KLAN A special meeting of the members of the Knights of the Ku Klux Kla, St. Joseph Klan, No. 4, Realm of Missouri, will be held at the Klavern i St. Joseph, formerly the Crystal theater, on Monday night, Nov. 1, commencing at 8 o'clock. All members are urged to be present. After listening to a neighbor lady practicing the piano for eight month, Herr Unwerth of Berlin took a shot at her with a revolver, but missed. He was placed under a peace bond.